Process of CE Marking ( third party-certification mode ):
In case of CE Marking by third party all the process remains same as in case of self certification except
- The test must be made by a Notified Body.
- The test report and declaration will be made by the Notified Body.
- The CE Mark will carry a number linking to the Notified Body.
What Can A Notified Body Do For You?
Most companies need a guide to take them through the CE Marking maze. There are many expert sources of information available to you (conferences, certification, Department of Commerce, the Internet, hot lines, etc.) all of which are more than willing to sell or give you their best opinion as to whether you may self-certify or not.
In case of third party certification the only opinion that matters is that of the agencies that certify products for the European Union. These agencies, independent and 'for profit' are called "notified bodies", there are a couple hundred of them and they are all located in Europe (some have satellites outside the EU that perform tests and submit results back to Europe for final approval).
Notified bodies are authorized by European countries to serve as independent test labs and perform the steps called out by product directives, only in cases where self-certification is not possible. They must have the necessary qualifications to meet the testing requirements set forth in the directives. Notified bodies may be a private sector organization or a government agency. Manufacturers may choose a notified body in any member state of the European Union.